Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, Quantitative Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise, including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and services that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world.
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), one of the five Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Visiting Quantitative Ecologist, who will be based out of the Illinois River Biological Station (IRBS), to assist with IRBS database harmonization and construction to build a central data repository capable of serving several ecological modeling and inferential needs. Using ecological data and build models to evaluate invasive carp management and measure ecological response in Illinois' rivers. This position will be based in Havana, Illinois and may allow for remote or hybrid work opportunities.
The Illinois River Biological Station (IRBS) is one of six stations of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Program’s Long Term Resource Monitoring Element (LTRM), funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and administered by the United States Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Staff here also coordinate the Long-Term Survey and Assessment of Large River Fishes in Illinois (LTEF) on the Illinois River Waterway and select pools on the Upper Mississippi River, black carp research on the La Grange Reach of the Illinois River, fish and vegetation monitoring and research at the Emiquon Preserve, and aid in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ongoing management of bighead and silver carps. The need for flexible research and monitoring of water quality, and native and invasive aquatic organisms is the scientific foundation of IRBS.
Remote and Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.
Duties & Responsibilities Include
- Assimilate, curate, and harmonize disparate ecological and environmental data sources from existing and ongoing data collection on the major rivers of Illinois across partners.
- Create pipelines and data caches for continuous environmental data sources to be integrated into database and workflows for predictive modeling.
- Use existing harmonized data sets and continuous data sources to evaluate and predict invasive carp management strategies and native ecosystem response at varying invasive carp densities.
- Work closely with and coordinate efforts between IRBS, state, federal, and University partners associated with the project.
- Analyze data, synthesize results, and author annual technical reports and multiple manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Assist other biologists with experimental design, analysis, and writing for a variety of aquatic ecology-related projects.
- Disseminate research findings to management agencies, the scientific community, and public through presentations at professional meetings, public outreach activities, and in written reports.
- Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
- Respond to requests for scientific/technical information and communicate effectively with collaborators.
- Participate in community outreach and service event and mentor hourly staff.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline
Additional Physical Demands
The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves sitting for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions for data entry. Will require working in a lab environment. Lab safety equipment use is required. May require standing and stationary positions. Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree in biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics, or ecological statistics, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience and demonstrated analytical/statistical method application to ecology-based research questions and demonstrated research communication through peer-reviewed manuscripts. Familiarity and experience with invasive carp data and analyses are required. Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics, Ecological Statistics, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience applying statistical techniques to ecological data and familiarity or have conducted field and laboratory research on large rivers or other large aquatic systems. Experience analyzing invasive carp data and familiarity with implementation of ecological and multivariate models are preferred. Experience managing and analyzing large data sets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong analytical skills and strong proficiency with R software and its application to ecological and invasive species-based statistics. Knowledge and experience in analyzing invasive carp data are preferred. Knowledge of database architecture, schema designs, and disparate river-related ecological data sets is preferred. Must be able to write clearly and scientifically, as demonstrated through prior publications. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems. Ability to work independently, collect and analyze field data, and coherently communicate findings to granting agencies and to scientific and public communities. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Rora comparable platform, GIS, and other commonly used software is required.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually contingent upon available funding and programmatic needs. The position may be converted to a regular appointment in the future, subject to funding and programmatic considerations.
The start date is negotiable, and the budgeted salary is $60,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
This position is unable to support sponsorship for work authorization.
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 14, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dr. Jim Lamer at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1037143
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
